B0086 code meaning
Third Row Left Seat Belt Load Limiter Deployment Control
What B0086 means
B0086 is reserved for a switchable force limiter at the left third-row seat. No manufacturer documents it, and an electrically fired limiter that far back is unusual. Delphi's rear-seat patent explains why: without airbags or weight sensing in rear rows, it picks the level from the length of webbing drawn out, about 4–6 kN for a large occupant or a child seat and 2–3 kN for a small occupant. NHTSA's 2013 study likewise counts load limiters as standard only at the front outer seats. On GM Global A cars (2011 Saab 9-4X) B0086 stands for the right front side impact sensor, watched for shorts and opens, too little current, internal errors, an incorrect part and corrupt messages, each needing ten seconds to set. Where a third-row limiter loop does exist, a fault lights the airbag lamp.
B0086 at a glance
- Check engine lightUsually not
- Emissions testNot an emissions code
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyWorkshop only
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of B0086
- Airbag warning lamp on
- Left third-row belt limits force only at a fixed level
- Safety note: restraint system with pyrotechnic parts; work only de-energised at a specialist workshop
Common causes of B0086
- Most likelyOn GM vehicles, right front side impact sensor or wiring faulty (different meaning)
- PossibleThird-row harness stressed by folding or removing the seat
- Less likelyInternal fault of the third-row limiter squib
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Third row left load limiterSquib circuitSRS control module
What each part of B0086 means
| B | Body system: airbags, seat belts, power seats, lights and climate control. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 86 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note B0086 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about B0086
What does B0086 mean?
B0086 means "Third Row Left Seat Belt Load Limiter Deployment Control". B0086 is reserved for a switchable force limiter at the left third-row seat. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with B0086?
B0086 does not normally turn on the check engine light by itself. Watch for the symptoms above and have it checked soon.
Will B0086 fail an emissions test?
B0086 is not an emissions code, so on its own it usually does not fail an emissions test. Other stored codes or a lit check engine light still can.
How hard is B0086 to fix?
Difficulty: workshop only. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will B0086 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.